The administration of President Barack Obama has been identifying Muslims in the military in an effort to encourage their presence.

Officials said the Defense Department has been keeping records and tracking Muslims. They said the administration sought to attract Muslims both to the military and to the Pentagon.

"Our nation and our entire military family remain stronger because of the service and sacrifice of people of all faiths, including the thousandsof patriotic Muslim Americans who have served and still serve in this long period of war," Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work said last week.